Allergic Otitis, Ear Allergy
Dogs with allergic dermatitis and food hypersensitivity dermatitis are predisposed to develop inflammation of the ears. In fact, ear involvement may be the only indication of an allergy. The itch-scratch-itch cycle develops, resulting in hair loss, scabs and crusts around ears. the ear canal is filled with brown wax, or, sometimes, may appear very red.
An allergic contact dermatits can develop in the ear canals that have been medicated with medical ear preparations. The antibiotic neomycin is a frequent cause of this problem. Recurring skin and ear infections are not normal for dogs. If your dog has these chronic disorders, suspect that he has an underlying immune problem, or thyroid or adrenal gland disease.
Dogs with positive reactions to molds, trees or cultivated plants are more likely to have skin and ear yeast infections. Dogs with positive reactions to cultivated plants are more likely to have otitis externa and foot pad lesions.
Species of the genus Malassezia inhabit the skin of humans and many other warm-blooded vertebrates These yeasts are cause superficial skin disorders. In addition, their importance as emergent pathogens in humans is increasing because they have been identified as causative agents of sepsis in immunocompromised patients and newborns receiving parenteral lipid alimentation. All lipid-dependent species can be isolated from normal and diseased human skin, and they can become pathogenic under the influence of predisposing factors. They are associated with several diseases, such as folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and some forms of atopic dermatitis and even systemic infection. M. pachydermatis can be isolated from the skin of a variety of birds and mammals, including dogs and cats. Although this species is mainly adapted to nonhuman animals, it has been reported to cause generalized infection in humans. This yeast can be transmitted by human health-care workers from their pet dogs to their neonatal patients. It is the most common yeast that contributes to chronic otitis externa in dogs.
Treatment An underlying skin disease must be treated to eliminate the ear symptoms. Treatment for itching includes using antihistamines and topical and oral corticosteroids. Discontinue any ear preparation that may be allergenic. An allergic otitis is often complicated by bacterial or yeast infection that also must be treated.
References
1. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, June 2000, p. 2383-2385, Vol. 38, No. 6
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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